Fight to tie

NSU, USD

September 10, 2007

Northern State University and South Dakota played 110 minutes of soccer on Sunday at Jerde Field, and the outcome was the same as it was in the beginning, 0-0. The game lasted through regulation and went two overtime periods. In the end neither team could score and the game ended in a 0-0 tie. “Both teams had there chances,” Northern State soccer coach Steve Kehm said. “We would have liked to have capitalized on one of them. I'm sure they feel the same way, but in the end it was a fair score.” Kehm said the Wolves held their own against a team that will compete in NCAA Division I next season. “They (USD) are a very quality opponent for us,” Kehm said. “Next year they are headed to Division I - and so obviously every game you play to win - but all and all it was a pretty good result for us.” USD finished with 11 corner kicks, compared to one by Northern. Kehm said the Wolves defense solid. “We have got some things we have got to work on,” Kehm said. “We are conceding far too many corner kicks right now and we need to work on our finishing. The good news is that we are very organized defensively right now and everybody is working hard to keep the ball out of the net.” The Wolves out-shot the Coyotes 17-15. NSU also had six shots on goal, compared to five by South Dakota. Kehm said NSU just needs to focus on finishing the play. “We have to take it one step at a time when it comes to finishing,” Kehm said. “Friday we did not shoot enough. Today we shot enough, now we just need to work on the finishing and we will address that in training.” NSU's goalie Catherine Grace finished with five saves. USD's goalie Ann Opsahl had six saves. South Dakota's record is now 3-1-2. Northern's record is now 4-2-1. The Wolves will host Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference foe Minnesota-Moorhead at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Jerde Field. “They (Moorhead) are a good team and well coached,” Kehm said. “We will look forward to having them up.” Northern State 0, University of South Dakota 0 Goalies: Northern State, Catherine Grace (5 shots, 5 saves); University of South Dakota, Ann Opsahl (6 shots, 6 saves).